Guest Column: In Defense of Boring Schools
Author Shaheen Sheik-Sadhal
- Published:
- 2026-05-19
- Retrieved:
- 2026-05-20
First installment of a monthly guest column by FUEL President Shaheen Sheik-Sadhal explaining California's Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) and CAASPP testing in a Basic Aid district like LBUSD. Reports LBUSD's 2024-25 CAASPP results at approximately 77.5 percent proficient in ELA and 72.1 percent in math, versus California state averages of 48.8 percent and 37.3 percent.
Key points
- First installment of a monthly guest column by FUEL President Shaheen Sheik-Sadhal; argues 'boring' school-board meetings are the desired state of good governance.
- Explains California's Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP), created alongside the 2013 Local Control Funding Formula in exchange for greater local flexibility plus transparency obligations.
- Notes the LCAP functions differently in a Basic Aid district like LBUSD — as a governance and accountability framework rather than a state-funding-tied survival document.
- Reports LBUSD 2024-25 CAASPP results at approximately 77.5 percent proficient or advanced in English Language Arts and 72.1 percent in math, versus California averages of 48.8 percent and 37.3 percent.
- Describes LBUSD's Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework for identifying student needs early through structured academic, behavioral, and social-emotional intervention.